CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2027-1
Applications are OPEN for CERN’s Doctoral Student Programme 2027-1. The deadline is 16 October 2026 at 23:59 Geneva time. Selected doctoral researchers can spend 12 to 36 months at CERN while their research contributes to a PhD awarded by their home university.
Eligibility
- Be a national of an eligible CERN Member State or Associate Member State, subject to the current programme restrictions.
- Have started, or be about to start, a doctoral programme at a university.
- Work in applied physics, engineering, computing or a related technical field aligned with CERN’s research areas.
- Have university approval that the research completed at CERN will contribute to your PhD thesis.
- Have a good knowledge of English or French.
Funding and Benefits
CERN currently lists a monthly net allowance of CHF 3,907, plus 30 days of paid leave per year and the annual CERN closure period. Health insurance coverage is provided through CERN’s scheme, with the relevant contribution deducted from the allowance.
Depending on individual circumstances, doctoral students may also receive family-related support and travel expenses to Geneva.
Programme Structure
The contract normally starts at 12 months and may be renewed up to a maximum of three years at CERN. CERN also allows the doctoral period to be distributed across a longer consecutive timeframe so students can spend required periods at their home university.
Application Documents
CERN requires a CV in English or French. An academic reference letter, academic transcript and other relevant documents are listed as optional, but applicants should include strong supporting evidence when it materially strengthens the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2027-1 open?
Yes. Applications close on 16 October 2026 at 23:59 Geneva time.
How much is the monthly allowance?
CERN currently lists a monthly net allowance of CHF 3,907.
Does CERN award the PhD?
No. The student remains enrolled at a home university, and the CERN research must contribute to that university-awarded doctoral thesis.
CERN Doctoral Student Programme: Eligibility and Application Questions
Can applicants from any country apply?
No. Applicants must be nationals of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State. For the current 2027-1 call, CERN also states that applications cannot presently be considered from Pakistani, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot, Croatian and Turkish nationals because the relevant Associate Membership ceilings have been reached.
Do I need to be enrolled in a PhD before applying?
You must have started, or be about to start, a doctoral programme at a university. Your university must agree that the research carried out at CERN will contribute to your PhD thesis.
Which research fields are suitable?
The programme is aimed at doctoral research aligned with CERN’s activities, including applied physics, engineering, computing and related technical or applied-science fields.
Are the reference letter and transcript mandatory?
No. For the current 2027-1 call, CERN lists the CV in English or French as required, while an academic reference letter and academic transcript are optional supporting documents.
Is the CERN doctoral studentship remote?
No. The current vacancy is listed as fully onsite in Geneva.
Can the CERN period be split around university time?
Yes. The appointment can be renewed up to three years and may be spread across a maximum of four consecutive years so that students can spend required periods at their home university.
